Meta boosts scam protection on WhatsApp and Messenger

Meta has announced expanded scam protection for WhatsApp and Messenger, aiming to shield vulnerable users, especially the elderly. The update adds a warning on WhatsApp that appears when screens are shared during video calls with unknown contacts, and on Messenger, protection starts with on-device behavioural analysis, with an optional cloud-based AI review that requires user consent.

The on-device system will automatically flag suspicious messages from unknown accounts, and users can choose to forward these to the cloud for further analysis, though this may break the default end-to-end encryption on that message. Meta’s AI will then explain why the content was deemed risky and offer guidance on common scams, a context developed alongside researchers from Graphika.

The company noted it has removed over 21,000 Facebook pages impersonating customer support, a tactic used by scammers to target users who commented on airlines, travel agencies, and banks. According to the FBI’s cybercrime unit IC3, scams cost Americans $16.6 billion in losses in 2024, with those over 60 bearing a disproportionate share at $4.8 billion, amid a 33% rise in overall losses. Passkeys and Security Checkup are also promoted as steps to help users secure their accounts. 23 October 2025